Grand Island, NY (WBEN) New York State Assemblyman Angelo Morinello tells WBEN he's opposed to the New York State Thruway Authority's move forward to raise tolls.
As WBEN reported last week, the authority Monday at its board meeting voted to set the stage for 5 percent toll hikes in 2024 and 2027.
In his opposition to the proposed hikes, Morinello says it will hurt business owners and residents particularly hard on Grand Island.
Morinello calls it a hidden tax. "New York State has an appetite for spending," says Morinello. "They do not have a revenue problem, they have a spending problem. And they create sources of spending. And they take the money from the taxpayers and those who produce the income to pay for some of the programs that really and truly do not benefit the citizens or taxpayers of the state."
Morinello says Grand Island residents truly will lose out. "The problem is, any other area you go to, there's alternate routes you can take. But those that have invested in pay taxes on Grand Island, have no other way to get home, or to leave the island to get to work. So what they've done is they've created a situation that will greatly impact those, those individuals who live there, and who have to leave the island," explains Morinello. He says it's an unfair burden put upon hard working citizens who have no alternatives. He says there is a potential of people who would go to Grand Island for shopping or social purposes may instead avoid it. "It's gonna have a potential negative effect and a decrease in revenue," says Morinello.
Morinello believes New York is on a financial collision course. "They have to continue to find sources of revenue to pay for their follies and what are your follies? It is taking care of non citizens taking care of those that have come into this country without going through the proper vetting processes," notes Morinello. He says money is coming from those legally living in New York. He adds the state covers up for waste by creating authorities. "We don't know where this money's going. They're saying they need it. But is it going for some folly? Are they going to use it for downstate to supplement their deficiencies? Are they going to use it for free passes? Free education, free everything," says Morinello. He says at some point, the taxpayer has to have the ability to say enough is enough.
When contacted by WBEN, New York State Senator Sean Ryan issued the following statement. "Senator Ryan is worried about a five percent jump in 2024. He recognizes the need to account for highway maintenance costs after 14 years with no toll increase, but would prefer that the Thruway Authority propose a plan with a more gradual increase. He plans to speak with the leadership of the Thruway Authority before commenting further."
